We have continued to remove the sequence of layers at the northern end of the extension to Trench 4 and have now revealed a deposit of limestone and occasionally brick/tile, interpreted as a possible metalled surface.
In Trench 3 we are excavating through a mixed layer of apparently redeposited natural silt and more ‘loamy’ material, which predates the series of pits in this area. A comparatively large assemblage of medieval pottery, including some large fragments, has been recovered from this layer.
Work in the extension to Trench 3 has confirmed the presence of a series of intercutting pits in the area north of the limestone wall; these features are almost certainly medieval. On advice from the project’s environmental archaeologist, Tom Hill of Birmingham University, we have undertaken some sampling of the pit fills. We have also taken a column sample (a structurally intact block of sediment from which pollen samples can be extracted) from the contents of the east–west culvert in Trench 3.
In the extension to Trench 4 we are now excavating deposits in the area north of the east–west culvert and south of the original trench. We have encountered some difficulty in determining the sequence of deposits and features in this area, but we are now fairly confident that a series of stony/shelly layers interspersed with sand/silt, on the western side of the area, are contained within a cut feature.
We have now completed excavation of the east–west brick culvert in Trench 4 and much of today was taken up with cleaning and then photographing the feature. It comprises a base of two courses of brick resting upon a bed of rubble and an arched superstructure. The bricks in the arch are bonded by soft cream/brown mortar. We have also widened and deepened the section across the north–south culvert – in the process revealing the lower extent of the base, which is identical in construction to the base of the east–west culvert. We have yet to compare levels between the two features, and have not, therefore determined their direction of flow.
In Trench 3 we have excavated to the top of the smaller east–west brick culvert. Pottery from the backfill of the construction trench indicates a possible medieval date for the feature. It is likely, however, that a high proportion of the material is redeposited from adjacent deposits and later date cannot be ruled out.
In Trench 4 we have now excavated to the top of the culvert, across the full width of the trench. Cleaning of the trench sides has allowed us a preview of deposits to either side of the trench and we can now see that the medieval feature interpreted as a ditch is, in fact, a large pit-like cut which terminates within the trench. Within the culvert trench we have reached the maximum depth (1.2m) permissible under our Health and Safety policy. We will, therefore, step in the sides of the trench to excavate to full depth and reveal the culvert in its entirety.
In Trench 3 we have begun to remove overlying soils from two areas, more or less to the point where we expect to encounter significant archaeological deposits.
Today, we continued to concentrate our efforts on Trench 4, although Helen has started work on the uppermost levels of Trench 3. The weather was mostly fine (slightly cool and overcast in the afternoon), with none of the expected showers.
Further work on the ‘garden edging’ (see yesterday’s diary) in Trench 4 has demonstrated it to be the much truncated remains of a surface, composed primarily of small pitched stone. The actual surface – provisionally interpreted as a path running east–west – is contained by an edging of brick and stone. Based upon findings elsewhere on the lawns, the surface lies at considerably greater depth than we would expect for the 18th century and finds from around the feature may be consistent with a late- or early post-medieval date. Furthermore, the feature appears to belong to a phase of activity predating the available map evidence, which begins with the John Grundy map of 1732.
We have now uncovered the east–west culvert in two places c.2m apart. The sequence of activity associated with feature is far more complex than originally anticipated. The two segments vary markedly in their build, which might reflect a staged construction process. There is also some indication that the trench might have been shuttered during construction, or possibly that the trench was reopened for alterations or repair to the culvert; further work should allow the resolution of these questions.
A second phase of excavation commenced on Wednesday 9th April with the opening of extensions to the two trenches on the south lawn (Nos. 3 and 4). The objectives of this work are, in the case of Trench 3, to locate further evidence of medieval activity (in addition the probable pit already revealed), whilst a southward extension off Trench 4 is designed to locate an east–west feature revealed by the geophysical survey and interpreted as a culvert (probably extending between the river and Maurice Johnson’s canal). We are also expecting to uncover the full-width ditch (probably medieval) which was partially revealed in the original trench.
The initial focus of work has been in Trench 4 where, today, we located the east–west culvert. The depth and build of this feature are consistent with it having been part of the same system as the north–south culvert already uncovered in Trench 4. To the north of the culvert there is fragmentary evidence (apparently much disturbed by later gardening activity) of structures – possibly the remains of garden edging.
We are now being assisted by an expanded team of volunteers who will be introduced over the coming days. Progress this week has been hampered slightly by heavy afternoon showers, but the weather in general has been bright and warm and we are confident that we will be able to meet our objectives during the next couple of weeks.